Doris I. Thorson

Doris Thorson passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday January 3 after a four-year battle with Ovarian cancer.

I had a very fulfilling life, enhanced by the people I’m leaving behind…

If you knew me, I hope you will remember me… as a friend. As someone who saw goodness in everyone. As someone who enjoyed every minute I had with you.

I am so proud of my daughters, Amanda and Jenn, for the kind and conscientious adults they’ve become. I am grateful for my husband, Mike, who is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am thankful for my dad, Donald, and my two moms, first Dorothy then Char. I am thoroughly appreciative of my brothers and sisters who all have remarkable traits. I cherish my dear friends, who have helped shape who I became. I am also particularly thankful for the Bethany on Cass folks who became my second family.

Doris was born Doris Irene Jerome on May 4, 1964, to Donald and Dorothy (Langrehr) Jerome. After Dorothy passed away when Doris was a child, Charlotte (Griffin Danielson) married Donald and became Doris’ second mom. They lived in Mindoro until Doris moved to La Crosse to attend WWTC. There she met Mike, who courted her and would later become her husband. They raised two children, Amanda and Jennifer. Doris was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1993. She had retired from Bethany on Cass after working there 36 years and considered her coworkers extended family.

Doris will be remembered for her selflessness, optimism, and kindness towards others. Family was of utmost importance. She created and distributed impressive greeting cards so the rest of us could share her sunshine with others.

Her cancer barely slowed her down. After three years of treatment locally, she participated in a clinical trial with weekly drives to UW Madison. She chose to participate in the study, knowing that it might not directly help her but would help others in the future.

She was our mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, babysitter, etc. all expertly played out.

We will miss Doris but, because she carried us all during her life, we will be OK.

Doris is survived by her husband and daughters, her mom, brothers Henry Jerome of Anchorage AK and Scott (Kristen) Jerome of Holmen, sisters Martha (Rene) Rommel of Melrose, Donna (Jeff) Garves of Bangor, Diane (Tim Kottke) Jerome of Oronoco MN, and Laurie (Tim) Raska of Milaca MN, mother-in-law Leona Thorson of Osseo, and sister-in-law Lori (Len) Nyen of Marshfield. Nieces and nephews Dan Rommel, Dorothy Rommel, Dustin Rommel, Judy Hunter, Chris Garves, Shawn Feller, Ella Raska, Josh Butzman, Jaydon Butzman, Alex Jerome, Jake Nyen, Nikki Nyen, Pat Nyen.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law Archie Thorson, and her sister-in-law Lynn Thorson.

A private family funeral service will be held. Per Doris’ request, masks are required, and CDC COVID-19 guidelines must be followed. A Celebration of Life will be held for Doris once pandemic is controlled.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gundersen Health System Oncology and First Evangelical Lutheran Church

The family wishes to thank Gundersen Oncology and Gundersen Hospice for their compassionate care.